On July 25, 2019, Canada and the European Union issued a joint statement confirming they had reached an Interim Appeal Arbitration Arrangement to resolve World Trade Organization (“WTO”) disputes (at the Appellate Body stage). Starting on December 10, 2019, the Appellate Body will be unable to hear new appeals due to the United States blocking
Cross-border litigation
Warning to Employers When Staffing Special Projects
There are many ways employers may run afoul of the anti-discrimination provisions in U.S. immigration law. As a very clear starting point, the general rule for a long time has been and remains an employer may not make hiring, firing, or recruitment / referral decisions based on a worker’s citizenship status. However, there are notable…
The Bumpy Ride Continues!
Originally published by the Journal of Commerce in May 2018 as part of its 100 Top Importers and Exporters Edition
Old movie buffs immediately recognize the inspiration for the title. There was a movie released in 1950 starring Bette Davis called All About Eve. Its most famous lines have bearing on current events impacting global…
Steel/Aluminum Safeguard Tariffs HTS Update Published
The ABI programming for the new Harmonized Tariff System (HTS) classifications implementing the steel and aluminum safeguard tariffs was released earlier today by CBP.
The HTS numbers added are:
9903.80.01 STEEL PROD, NOTE 19, EX CA/M 25%
9903.85.01 ALUMINUM PROD, NOTE 19, EX CA/M 10%
with respect to goods entered, or withdrawn from warehouse for…
BEWARE OF THE WHISTLEBLOWER!
Originally published by the Journal of Commerce in February 2018
Customs and Border Protection (“CBP”) and other federal enforcement agencies seizing goods or imposing penalties is not unexpected. However, there are other consequences triggered by the actions of private actors which present equal danger to importers. In particular, there is the False Claims Act (“FCA”),…
What Might Be The First Trade Issues Under The Canada-EU CETA?
Canada
The Canada-EU Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (the “Canada-EU CETA”) will come into provisional effect on September 21, 2017. Sometimes, disputes that have arisen prior to the implementation of a free trade agreement, which are left unresolved at the time of implementation, turn into full disputes between the parties. What could those disputes be?…
Buy American Executive Order
On April 18th, President Trump issued an Executive Order (“EO” or “Order”) focused on the Buy American laws and regulations. See Buy American EO. This EO directs federal government entities to review their procurement rules so that, to the extent legally permitted, preference is given to American made goods. Section 2 specifically states: “[i]t…
Canada Commences Consultations Regarding A Canada-China Free Trade Agreement
Canada
On March 4, 2017, Global Affairs Canada announced consultations concerning a possible free trade agreement between Canada and China. Consultations means that Global Affairs Canada is consulting with Canadian interested stakeholders (the free trade agreement negotiations have not started yet – Canada is in a preliminary exploratory stage). Global Affairs Canada has posted information…
The Canada Border Services Is Getting Authority To Open All Cross-Border Mail
The Canada Border Services Agency (“CBSA”) has statutory authority in subsection 99(1) of the Customs Act to open goods that are being imported – this includes letters and packages. Currently, most packages can be opened, including legal documents sent by a law firm to another law firm or a client. A few years ago I…
The CBSA (as Administrator of Laws) Must Follow CITT Decisions (Subject to Limited Exceptions)
This case is a must-read for all customs and trade lawyers. This case is a must- read by other administrative lawyers who appear before quasi-judicial tribunals. The general administrative law rules for law enforcers and tribunals have been clarified in simple, understandable terms. May there be greater certainty, greater predictability and finality as a result…